Pentlands Walk

 On a very windy 28th September, 5 members of Biggar Ramblers set out on the classic Pentlands Walk from Flotterstone to Nine Mile Burn. Cars were parked at Nine Mile Burn and the bus was taken to Flotterstone for the start of the walk. There was first a steady climb up to Turnhouse Hill, followed by an easier section to the foot of Carnethy Hill, where luckily, a sheltered spot was found for a coffee break.There was then another climb up to Carnethy Hill, from where wonderful views opened up as far as North Berwick to the East and the Forth Bridges and Fife to the North. There was then a descent to The Grain Burn and the Old Kirk Road which used to be used by worshippers going to church. Lunch was now taken as this proved to be another area sheltered from the strong wind. The walk then continued with three more good climbs up Scald Law, East Kip and West Kip.The final part of the walk was over Cap Law, passing the ancient Font Stone, arriving back at the parked cars at Nine Mile Burn. With five peaks, this was a challenging walk, but despite the strong winds which even made standing on the summits difficult, was both rewarding and enjoyable.

Hardrig Head Circular

 Four members of Biggar Ramblers set off from Lamington to climb up the Easkgill Rig to reach Hardrig Head to stand alongside the many wind turbines that make up the Clyde Wind Farm. Strong and gusty winds with intermittent showers made scaling the 556 metre high hill top even more challenging but rewarding. Indistinct paths and moorland Heather made conditions underfoot quite tricky with a lot of standing water after recent heavy rains. Standing next to these giant fans on stilts is impressive, even more so as they whir and carve their huge fan blades through the air. Clear views of the Pentlands and the rolling hills of Dumfries and Galloway were augmented by the appearance of full and clear rainbows across the sky. The route down Bent Rig and passed the Baitlaws estate was more straightforward and sheltered. A downpour along the home stretch ensured we were suitably drenched for the journey home to Biggar. The group were pleased to get back to the startpoint, satisfied in the knowledge they had enjoyed a testing ramble covering over 7.5 miles in challenging weather conditions .

Peebles Circular

 Six members of Biggar Ramblers met recently in Peebles. After meeting at Ninians Haugh car park the group crossed the Tweed as they walked toward the old Parish Church where a bell practice had the church bells ringing to Amazing Grace and Loch Lomond. The walkers followed the well worn path keeping the river to their left, passing the ruins of Neidpath Castle before breaking for lunch near Lyne Station. After crossing the river again, they walked through Crow wood and Barns Garden wood, turning to walk by the riverside once more. They crossed the Manor bridge to retrace their steps briefly, before crossing the Tweed again to walk through the Victorian train tunnel, a very atmospheric 3/4 mile dark passage way. Finally the walkers again followed the riverbank back to the starting point. The 9 mile walk took just under 4 hours, including breaks.

 

Bizzyberry walk and seat sponsorship

On 7th September in lovely evening sunshine, a group of Biggar Ramblers climbed half way up Bizzyberry Hill to the view point where there is an information board and seat. The ramblers now sponsor this seat, and so to recognise this there was a brief celebration and a brass plaque was fitted, with the appropriate words inscribed 'Enjoy your walk'.

Afterwards the group returned to Biggar to a member's house where they enjoyed a lovely 'bring a dish' supper.